About the Book

An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them?

Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business?

Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?

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To Learn How the Story Came about,

Visit the Story Ideas page.

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Awards & Honors

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California took first place in the
inspirational category of the 2013 National Excellence in Romance
Fiction Award contest sponsored by the First Coast Romance
Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America®.
It also took second place in the Best First Book category.

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What Readers Are Saying about the Book

Never before has the lyric, “Anything you can do I can do better..,” come to my mind while reading a romance but it certainly fit with this story. I absolutely loved the back and forth competition between Miles and Elenora concerning everything from their shops, their violin playing, to shooting a gun all while watching them grow closer together.

Renee Chaw ~ Read the complete review here.

Let me just say, I smiled like a loon through most of this book. The characters are immediately real and loveable. … This is an inspirational romance, but the message of faith is by no means heavy-handed. References to the Lord and prayer arise organically and do not pull the reader from the story… .

Dawn Alexander – Read the complete review here.

Let me say a few words about Miles. Holy guacamole, ladies! So dreamy! He is definitely up there with my top ten guys as well. Tough, yet gentle. Rugged and romantic! Swoon!!

Amber Perry ~ Read the complete review here.

Many themes weave through the book. Gwyn uses each character’s foibles as a brush to paint another layer on the canvas of her story. She shows us how the past has shaped each one’s present. As the characters unfold, the reader becomes a part of a landscape that saw women coming into their own as individuals, communities coming together to fight emergencies and people looking to a higher power for guidance. With images of redemption, forgiveness and conciliation throughout the story, “Bride” is no lightweight fluff. This is a compelling historical romance with inspirational influences.

Mary Beth Magee with Examiner.com ~ Read the complete review here.

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Endorsements

What a delightful debut! A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California reminds me of the classic romantic comedies where two stubborn, independent people keep denying what everyone else knows is true: that they were meant for each other. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, wanting to see what was going to happen to Ellie and Miles next.

Amanda Cabot ~ author of Summer of Promise and Christmas Roses

With witty dialogue, charming characters, and an attention to historical detail that will make you feel you’re living in frontier California, you’ll love every moment you spend in El Dorado, CA with spunky, resourceful Elenora Watkins and determined, debonair Miles Rutledge. Keli Gwyn’s debut historical romance is a winner!

Erica Vetsch ~ author of A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas

Keli Gwyn brings the Sierra Foothills to life with rich historical details. She’s crafted delightful and unique characters that make a home in your heart. The tender and sweet romance has plenty of sparks to keep you turning the pages. And when you reach the last page, you’ll breathe a satisfied sigh but at the same time wish this lovely story didn’t have to end.

Jody Hedlund ~ award-winning and bestselling author of A Preacher’s Bride

Keli Gwyn is a fresh new voice in Christian fiction. A Bride Opens Shop is filled with characters who leap off the pages, a story line that wouldn’t let me go, and historically authentic details that delighted me. I will anxiously await the release of her next novel.